The geographical and symbolic fragmentation of the “Soviet bloc” was one of the main outcomes of the collapse of state socialism in the late 1980s. A seemingly neutral and natural geographical collage of “Eastern Europe,” “the Balkans,” “the Baltics,” “the Caucasus,” “Eurasia,” and “the Central Asia” has replaced the politically enforced unity of the “Second World.” Yet, as some scholars of the region have pointed out, the new mapping of postsocialist space exhibits one persistent tendency: the “westernization” of eastern Europe is accompanied by a simultaneous “easternization” of its margins.

For its 2007 meeting, SOYUZ invites submissions for presentations on the emergence of “Eurasia” as a geocultural space, distinct from and even opposing to “Europe.” How does the reclaimed notion of “Eurasia” help to construct and symbolically uphold eastern borders of new Europe? To what extent this notion was instrumental in shaping new alliances, practices, and identities outside European borders? As at previous SOYUZ meetings, priority is given to rich ethnographic work while entertaining a broad range of topical and ideological terrains.

Presentations may be from any discipline (anthropology, sociology, folklore, political science, history, cultural studies, law, economics, literary scholarship, etc.). We are looking for papers that combine solid archival and/or ethnographic material with theory. We are especially interested in submissions from scholars examining the role of “Eurasia” in the Far East. We will be able to make travel subsidies available for several foreign presenters (from the region).

The symposium has been held annually since 1992, and is at once an intimate forum where scholars can exchange ideas and engage in dialogue and also the site of cutting edge presentations from some of the most exciting thinkers within the growing field of postsocialist research.
(http://www.uvm.edu/%7Esoyuz/conferences.html)

The 2007 SOYUZ Program committee includes:

Judith B. Farquhar,
Professor of Anthropology and of Social Sciences (University of Chicago)

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